“Davie Allan: Retrophonic 6”

c. 2019 Rod Ice

All rights reserved

(4-19)

Tradition.

For every writer there comes a time when personal habits bring a sense of balance. A trail blazed by past compositions. A sense of direction that may bring calm when pondering future projects. In my own universe, the most indelible of these creative paths has been in writing reviews for new recordings by Davie Allan and the Arrows.

Years ago, when we first connected, I tried to pen the sort of journalistic screed one would expect from a critic of consequence. But a fellow member in Davie’s fan group on Yahoo! offered inspiration with a completely different take on the art of prose composition. He frequented our chats with a stream-of-consciousness rap that seemed to echo poets of the ‘Beatnik’ or ‘Hippie’ eras.

One afternoon in that distant time, armed with a new release from our California guitar hero, I sat at my keyboard and began to type out thoughts in that loose-and-loaded style. Fueled by a bit of adult refreshment, I let the door of my cerebrum swing freely open. Words flew over, under, sideways and down.

My ‘First Impressions’ review exploded the idea of providing a thoughtful critique. But it worked.

Decades later, this personal tradition has continued. So when I received word from Davie himself that a new volume of his ‘Retrophonic’ series was in the mail, my pulse quickened. I knew that his music would provide the magic spark for yet another journey into the uncharted mindscape of self.

When the disc arrived, it took only seconds of listening to get plugged in and ready to write:

First Impressions: Retrophonic 6

1. Mass Distortion – In a cathedral, plectrum held high. The high priest of fuzz blesses his tribe. Rolling, rollicking, running hot. Six strings of glory and Johnny-on-the-spot. Back in the saddle, we never forgot.

2. You’re Gonna Cry – First ride of the season, rhyme with a reason. The cowboy electric, plectrum power eclectic. Held high to the sky like a sword in the storms of night. I feel alright. Let it roll, let it rock. Gonna take a spin around the block.

3. The Cruisin’ Shuffle – Strut and step, dancing fingers up the frets. New strings, old neck. Crank it to ten, what the heck. The Fuzz King in showers of spring. Some say it don’t mean a thing. But better to be aware, Link Wray has his amp on the stairs. Dick Dale in eternity, wails. And the Arrow-Dynamic sound never fails.

4. Whatever – Secret agent in the streets, plucking riffs to the drummer beats. Wet and hot in the night. Hot pursuit and wet reflections, shadows, steam and no protection. Standing guard with Jazzmaster at the ready. The King of Fuzz is rockin’ steady.

5. Don’t Shut Me Out Of Your Life – Give me space, give me a place. I’ve been here all the while, sunrise to sunset. I beg you, don’t forget. It was me that made you smile, ready to ride the black Panhead on an asphalt mile. Warrior set free, it was me.

6. More Licks On Route 66 – Righteous Rock, rolling around the block. On parade, here’s a lightning bolt from yesterday. Still on stage, don’t yank my cable, I’m still wild, and still an angel. Finger in the air, white man beware! Take a ride if you dare.

7. As Good As It Gets – Sunrise makes me giddy. Glad for the yellow of day, let me play! I’ve been locked down over the downtime. Polishing tunes and spinning rhymes. Now I taste the ocean breeze. Glad to be what I am, you see.

8. Driven – Throttle WFO. Ready to go. Tire spinning rubber bits in the air. I don’t care! Oil fumes and biker tunes. I remember well my trip through hell. Now this joker is a gypsy no more. I’m in charge of the store. If you want a platter, stand in line, it does not matter. I’ve got dozens in a stack. Hot licks aplenty and fortissimo attack.

9. Derivative – Wild and wilder. Wildest of all. Raise the neck and let the strummed chords fall. I am the survivor, still in the saddle. Let me ride while I’m still able. You remember what I was but I still make the steel strings buzz. I’m the King of Fuzz.

10. Road To Durango – Watch me strut. Bootheel kicks are just enough. Gear to gear, clicking through. This is a message from me to you. A seismic wave that’s gettin’ through. A surfer’s daze with the roadie crew. No attitude, no time to lose. Your heroes still alive and true.

11. Rebel On The Run – Hot wind and sand in the eyes. Saddle up, we’re going to ride! Cylinders puffing burned fuel and smoke. Trust me, mate, I’m your favorite bloke! If you dare, hit the road! Ride till sunset, then find a cantina. Quaff the cerveza, sabor mas fina.

12. Appaloosa – Horses strong and hitting their stride. Fuzz-drenched waves of an electric tide. Toss you to and fro where angels fear to go. If you freak out, let me know. I’ll keep you safe and keep you right. From the break of day to the silent night.

13. Stick It – Sassy. ‘Bout had enough, I’m feeling rough. Gotta get tough. Fortune winds blow no good, but I’m a winner, it’s understood. In the sun or in the dark. I’m the king of this amusement park. Ferris Wheel or skates of steel, I’ll never lose my appeal. Crank the knob and hit those notes. The King of Fuzz don’t ride ‘em slow.

14. Kick Back – Now I’ve said my peace in song. Thanks if you all sang along. Time for whiskey and a rest. I’ll take a break with no protest. Glad to have the sun go down. Glad to leave that one-horse town. Won’t see me frown. I’m where the loud sound abounds. Gonna wear my crown.

Davie said that he wanted to have the full ‘Retrophonic’ series available in CD form. A consequential overview from 2009-2019. And, his last recordings to be delivered in a tangible format.

I could not be more pleased. Well done, ‘King Fuzz!’

Comments about: ‘Words on the Loose’ may be sent to: icewritesforyou@gmail.com

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